It always is. The squad’s arrival ­provides ample ­opportunity for the supporters to give their gladiators a pre-match pat on the back.

But the usual group had been supplemented ahead of the victory over Sunderland. Not by a few dozen, not even by a few hundred. There were thousands of well-wishers – a tangible sign that ­something special is afoot.

Few took Brendan Rodgers seriously as again and again he trotted out the line: “We’re right in this title race.”

Until now.

After all, it has been a long time since Liverpool were crowned the champions of English football. And a lot of money has been spent to trail in the wake of a succession of rivals.

It is easy therefore to understand why, with seven games left to play, the “Ah, let’s see where this takes us” ­attitude has been replaced by one of nervous tension as the game’s glittering prize moves tantalisingly into view.

That feeling manifested itself against Sunderland when a game that should have long been put to bed was being run down in desperate fashion as the final whistle approached. That scene is likely to be repeated at Anfield during the course of the next couple of months in the countdown to what is certain to be a frantic finale.

Now I don’t know whether Rodgers’ statement that Liverpool are everybody’s second favourite team this ­season bears scrutiny – football ­supporters are not easily given to such romantic notions.

But with what is essentially the length of a cup run in front of them it is clear that Liverpool’s first Premier League title is within reach. Not in the club’s own hands, but not far off. It is their best chance since Rafael Benitez’s crop of five years ago, when the Reds always seemed to be playing catch-up.

Writing as a neutral, it would be healthy to shake up the status quo. Moreover, it would be just reward for Steven Gerrard, one of the game’s outstanding professionals.

And Rodgers, too. He has stuck to his beliefs and been rewarded. But Liverpool’s boss has also spoken of a new dynasty being created on Merseyside – and that sounds like stretching the point too far.

Their success owes much to the Premier League’s most valuable player, Luis Suarez. Champions League ­football may satisfy his ambitions next term, but if Real Madrid come calling, the lure of playing with Bale and Ronaldo could prove too attractive. And what if Chelsea decided to ­double Arsenal’s offer of last summer?

But of equal concern is Gerrard. After struggling initially to cope with the deeper role demanded by his manager, he has grown into it, curbing his own instincts in the process.

You suspect Rodgers might prefer someone else in that position. But how do you tactically withdraw the club’s heartbeat and most iconic player? Let’s face it, whoever takes on the job, they are going to have to be some player to have the same kind of impact as Gerrard.

Fail to replace him adequately and wave goodbye to Suarez, and all of a sudden the future does not look as rosy. But those are just questions for Liverpool and Rodgers. What they ­cannot control is the competition, several of whom have deeper pockets, despite the riches that Champions League qualification will bring.

Jose Mourinho has had one ­season to get his feet ­under the table at Chelsea. He will be armed and ready next season. Big changes can be ­expected at Sramford Bridge, particularly in forward areas.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has the strongest squad. He has been employed to win the Champions League but they will remain ­competitive domestically as well. And what of Manchester United? They will spend big this summer. Their challenge cannot be underestimated.

So for now there is a gap for Liverpool. A window. Not yet open. But it is ajar.

And for the time being the Kop can enjoy the tension and suffer the agony and ecstasy of the title race. Amid sores opened by the 25th ­anniversary of Hillsborough in a few weeks’ time, it would be fitting timing if they won it.

For interested observers, it’s been stirring and, on occasion, wonderfully uplifting. Some of the goals scored by Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been outrageous in their execution.

Just picture the frenzy around the team bus should Rodgers’ men have the chance to seal the title in the last game at home to Newcastle on May 11.

It’s taken a battle royal to get there but the scrap to stay among the elite will be harder still.